What is highway ETC?
2 Answers
Highway ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) translates to electronic toll collection, which is a non-stop toll collection system. On highways, there will be one or more ETC lanes. ETC charging method: Through dedicated microwave short-range communication between the vehicle-mounted RFID tag installed on the vehicle's windshield and the microwave antenna on the ETC lane of the toll station, using network technology to conduct background settlement processing with the bank, thereby achieving the purpose of vehicles passing through bridge toll stations without stopping to pay tolls. Banks install this type of ETC express card with post-payment. ETC application conditions are as follows: Provide the original and photocopy of the vehicle owner's valid ID card and vehicle registration certificate. For the photocopy of the driver's license, the page with the most recent annual inspection seal needs to be copied; Postal credit card application form, this credit card is used to bind the ETC card. After obtaining the credit card, swipe it twice and bring the POS slip to the designated postal outlet to receive and install the ETC on-board device for free, with no charges during the process; Be between 18 and 60 years old; Own a vehicle under personal name. Below are precautions for installing ETC: Do not obstruct the view, it's best to install it behind the rearview mirror: Many car models have a large rearward tilt angle of the windshield, resulting in a smaller driver's field of vision. If this is not considered during ETC installation, it will increase the driver's blind spots. Install it on the right side behind the rearview mirror to avoid obstructing the view. Do not affect charging: The ETC electronic tag consumes power, but generally does not need to be charged or have its battery replaced, as there is a solar panel on its back that can charge itself. Therefore, during installation, avoid the blackened areas on the windshield and do not place it where the solar panel might be easily obstructed. Do not remove it casually once installed: The button in the middle of the adhesive is an anti-removal lever, connected to a switch below. After the electronic tag is installed, the windshield will press the anti-removal lever in. If it is removed casually, the lever will pop out and trigger the switch, locking the electronic tag and rendering it unusable, requiring a visit to an ETC service point to unlock it. This is designed to prevent multiple vehicles from sharing one device. Precautions for using ETC: The ETC transaction sensing range is 8 meters. To prevent the ETC device of the vehicle in front from malfunctioning, maintain a distance of more than 10 meters from the vehicle in front to avoid automatic sensing and paying for the vehicle ahead. The recognition speed for ETC lane passage is 20 kilometers per hour. If the speed is too fast, the vehicle device information cannot be read, leading to failed charges. When using a debit card bound to ETC, insufficient balance will also result in failed charges.
The highway ETC is essentially an Electronic Toll Collection system, and I think it's an incredibly practical little invention. You stick a small black box called an OBU device on your windshield, and when the scanner at the toll booth detects it, the fee is automatically deducted from your bank card. No need to stop and queue—saving time, effort, and fuel. I've been driving for over a decade, and since installing ETC, passing through during peak hours has become much faster. A 10-minute trip can be cut down to 5 minutes, making the drive much more relaxing. Just remember to check the device's battery regularly to avoid embarrassing malfunctions on the road. This system is now supported nationwide on all highways—it's practically a blessing for modern travel. I highly recommend new drivers get one installed early and give it a try.
